“I am very encouraged to see that the High Level Panel has underlined the value of vaccines and called for a target to increase the number of people fully vaccinated.

“I firmly believe that all people should have access to immunisation no matter where in the world they live. The GAVI Alliance is working with the world’s poorest countries to help them to introduce vaccines against major killer diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhoea and cervical cancer.

“The Millennium Development Goals have catalysed extraordinary progress – and financial support – in many areas of global health. But much remains to be done: for example, 22 million children go unimmunised each year.

“I am pleased to note that the Panel references the importance of a partnership approach in tackling development issues.”

The Panel Report includes the following statements:

‘Investing more in health, especially in health promotion and disease prevention, like vaccinations, is a smart strategy to empower people and build stronger societies and economies.’ (page 38)